Crowds packed out the Dairy and Innovation Hubs, where topical discussions took place and showcased the latest innovations. Keynote speakers were Tom Bradshaw, NFU Deputy President and RABDF Chairman Di Wastenage. They discussed the state of the dairy industry, including the importance of food security, trade deals and government support.  

The event also saw some prestigious awards presented, including the NMR/ RABDF 2022 Gold Cup, which went to the Logan family from Ayrshire. Other winners included: 

• Rebecca Smith, from Harper Adams University, won the Dairy Student Award sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers. 
• Jack Rust from Bristol Vet School, Marley Lamerton from Harper Adams University and Laura Butt from Duchy College won the vet, agricultural college and agricultural universities Farm Health Management award categories, sponsored by Volac. 
• TruDrinking from SmaXtec claimed the Royal Dairy Innovation Award. 

Commenting on the show, RABDF Managing Director Matthew Knight said: "Yesterday's show was our best and most successful Dairy-Tech. There was a definite buzz on the show floor, with no spare seats or standing room for many Dairy and Innovation Hub sessions. 

"Despite optimism in the sector over the past nine months, there is much uncertainty with milk price cuts, high input costs remaining, labour issues and increasing pressure to reduce emissions. Visitors had a definite requirement to understand better the market situation and how they can manage such pressures." 

Mr Knight added: "The new Lameness Village attracted many visitors, with foot trimming demonstrations taking place throughout the day. We will definitely look to build on it next year as more focus is placed on this important issue."  

The RABDF's next event is Down to Earth, with two events happening this year in the North and South. Down to Earth South takes place on 21 June at Neil Baker's farm in Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset. Then, on July 6th the event heads north to Wigton in Cumbria, showcasing regenerative farming at Mark Lee's farm. Visitors can learn about regenerative farming practices at both events and see them in action. For more information, visit https://projectdowntoearth.co.uk/